ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run Raises Scholarship Funds for Texas Youth, $360,000 raised during 24th annual event

HOUSTON – Feb. 26, 2011 – Today, the 24th annual ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run set a new course record with nearly 13,000 participants. This year the company raised $360,000 for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ Educational Fund. This was ConocoPhillips most successful Rodeo Run in history. Since the event began in 1988, the company has donated $2.9 million toward college scholarships for Texas youth.

Stephen Tanui, 28, of Houston, TX, took top honors in the men's 10K race overall finishing with a time of 32:13. This was Tanui’s first ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victory.

Angela Spadafino, 23, of Houston, TX, finished first in the women's 10K race with a winning time of 36:19. This was Spadafino’s first ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run victory.

ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run 10K winners in other categories were:

Race Category

Name

Age

Time

Hometown

Masters Male

Sean Wade

45

32:57

Houston, TX

Masters Female

Jody Berry

50

43:28

Houston, TX

Wheelchair Male

Brent Lakatos

30

25:18

Dallas, TX

Wheelchair Female

Kristi Braun

16

1:12:31

Houston, TX

All 10K race winners received a custom, etched-glass trophy, an official "Go Texan" cowboy hat and two round-trip Continental Airlines tickets.

Jason Speed, 20, of Pearland, TX, was the 5K male winner. London Deloach, 42, of Cypress, TX, was the 5K female winner. The 5K fun run/walk is a non-competitive, non-timed event, and winners were awarded an official "Go Texan" cowboy hat.

The costume contest winner in the Best Dressed category was Paul McSweeney, 55, of Houston, TX. Most Spirited award winner was Elise Nellsch, 19, of Livingston, TX.

"Thousands of runners and walkers helped make this year’s Rodeo Run a success," said ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run Chairperson Carin Knickel, vice president for human resources. "Today’s record event participation will help provide college scholarships to many deserving Texas students. We are proud to host the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run and contribute to the Educational Fund each year."

Nearly 1,500 volunteers, including ConocoPhillips employees, retirees, contractors, family members and friends help plan and administer the race from start to finish, allowing the company to contribute all entry fees to the Houston Livestock Show and RodeoTM Educational Fund. Gold sponsors of the race include Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Bechtel, Brooks, Chartis Insurance, Continental Airlines, Fulbright and Jaworski LLP, GE Oil and Gas, Halliburton, H-E-B, Luke’s Locker and McJunkin Red Man Corporation. Silver sponsors include Accenture, A-Rocket Moving and Storage, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, Houston Astros, Securitas, Staples Promotional Products, The Royal Bank of Scotland and Zachry.

Comprehensive 10K race results and streaming video of runners crossing the finish line, a feature unique to this event, will be posted on the ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run website this evening. Runners may view the results and download the video file at www.conocophillipsrodeorun.com for individual use.

The ConocoPhillips Rodeo Run is 10K sanctioned by USA Track & Field and the Gulf Association of USA Track & Field.  The race offers Houston’s only point-to-point 10K race and 5K fun run/walk in a festive atmosphere that celebrates the city’s heritage. Texas fanfare, western costumes and a country-themed post-race party help make the Rodeo Run one of the most popular and memorable events in the region.

ConocoPhillips is an integrated energy company with interests around the world. For more information, go to www.conocophillips.com.

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CONTACT

Alissa Myers (media)
281-293-2265 (w)
832-273-9898 (c)
alissa.k.myers@conocophillips.com